Ex Real Madrid Star Mesut Ozil Claims El Clasico's Have Lost Their Intensity and Emotion

• Mesut Ozil has opined that the El Clasico matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona have declined over the years
• Ozil represented Real Madrid for three seasons where he made 159 appearances for the Spanish giants
• The German midfielder won one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup before leaving in 2013

Mesut Ozil has blasted the quality of the El Clasico recently after revealing the quality of play in La Liga’s biggest game of the season has declined.

The El Clasico is the fabled name for an encounter between Real Madrid and Barcelona and it has witnessed some of the biggest rivalries in football history, most recently between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

According to Sportskeeda, Ozil, who made 159 appearances for Real Madrid across three seasons has revealed that the El Clasico in recent times has lost its emotion and intensity.

Real Madrid accuse Barcelona players of unsportsmanlike behaviour after El Clasico defeat

Football

“Today El Clásico has lost intensity and emotion, I would say. Beating Barcelona at that time was huge because they were incredibly strong matches.

“I also have to say that our 5-0 defeat in La Liga in 2010 was one of my biggest nightmares on the pitch. I've played a lot of games, a lot of derbies, but I think there won't be anything like those Clasicos.”

Ozil recently announced his retirement from football after a glorious career that featured him also playing for Arsenal, Fenerbahce and Werder Bremen.

Ozil tips Arsenal for EPL title

Meanwhile, Mesut Ozil is backing former club Arsenal to lift this season’s English Premier League title ahead of defending champions Manchester City, Daily Mirror reports.

The 2014 World Cup winner insists Arsenal deserves to be crowned winners following the Gunners superb display under Mikel Arteta that has seen them maintain the top spot on the Premier League table since September.

Chelsea striker Aubameyang makes sensational return to Camp Nou for El Clasico

Football

Ozil scored 44 goals and provided 79 assists in 254 matches for the Gunners, having joined from Real Madrid in 2013.

How Jose Mourinho inspired Ozil

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Mesut Ozil has revealed the key decision that made him sign for Real Madrid in 2010 despite a long-standing interest from rivals, Barcelona.

The 34-year-old German midfielder recently announced his retirement from football after a stellar career that saw him represent top clubs like Real Madrid and Arsenal.

Ozil has now confessed that Jose Mourinho was the deciding factor why he snubbed La Blaugrana to sign for Los Blancos when he made his biggest career move.